goofy black tank level indication

[racer0624]

Ok, Over a 2 week period the black tank gauge reading has gone from 18gal to 30gal. then 45gal. The coach is in storage, no water supply is hooked up, the pump is off. It's a bath and a half rig and the rear toilet still has a green light. The grey and fresh water level readings aren't changing.

Do the tanks use transducers for level sensing? Or something else? Is there an adjustment I can make or is some part going bad and needs to be changed out?

[njs42]

I do not have the tech knowledge for you-but after nine years of use I have tank sensors that work correctly---so here is what I think?

Is the tank empty, if not then I believe enough moisture can accumulate to activate the sensors. Flush and clean the tank. CW sells some stuff for this---put it in----fill the tank 3/4---- drive around------flush again. I do this while on the road so it does not require extra "sessions'.

But the stuff is pricey sooooo I have also found that my sensors are close to the toilet opening so when I put one of the high pressure wands down in the tank through the toilet they get cleaned really fast and really well. My sensors are accessable easily by removing a panel---so they can be changed out if need be---I have never done this but it does not seem to be a daunting task. I've seen some threads on this subject so do a search I'm sure you will find more "techy" kind of info.

Annoying little buggers aren't they? But any two of us can whip four of them-------

[wa8yxm]

CW sells some stuff.....

1/2 cup each Dawn Dishwashing liquid, original formula, not anti bacterial.
and Calgon water softener, liquid or powder don't matter.

5-10 gallon fresh water

NOTE: when you dump this mix the tank sensors will read full for a day or two after dumping.. When you unhook the hose you will understand why.. The tank is indeed full.. full of soap bubbles.

[njs42]

I would only add I believe it a good idea to flush after you "wash" the tank--regardless of what you put in there------fill it full with fresh water and open the valve--------swosh

might disperse some bubbles as well, seems logical-------it does take a while for the sensors to clear/dry/whatever they are doing down there----- that is absolutely correct

[GaryKD]

To those who have posted, the OP has a Newmar Essex coach. The Essex is a bit of a different breed of coach. There are complex electronic systems on board and holding tank sensors sense through the side of the tank. There is no actual contact of the sensors to the contents in the tank.

We really need to have some Essex owners step up and post what they know.

racer0624, Iron Man lives near you. He also owns and Essex. If you PM him, I'm sure he will respond.

["007"]

John you have all your E-PLEX information in the tech information link which you will find in Quick Tips & Mods link second line.
Not sure if link will hold but pick it up in QT&M.

[Perry White]

I got an Essex and I had troubles until I cleaned the tanks. I think sensors are still in the tank. Dump about 10 ozs of Dawn and some oxyclean and a little bleach filled it up with 20gals and let slosh around on trip and dumped as soon as I was hooked up. Works pretty good. Stick a hose thru bathroom window and flush from open crapper. Hold the 2 buttons at the same time and slide stays open on the stool.. Don't do it with the fan on.

[racer0624]

Gary and "007"....
Thanks for the leads. I'll talk to Iron Man and see if he can help with "007" 's info. I've previously done the flush, etc. duties to no avail.